India, Dec. 9 -- With civic elections approaching, the city is witnessing a surge in illegal billboards and banners. As these unauthorised flexes are disfiguring major roads, squares and public spaces, municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has announced a steep hike in penalties in order to to curb the growing problem.

The current fine of Rs.1,000 per illegal flex and hoarding will be increased to Rs.10,000-15,000, and action will begin in the next two to three days.

Most of these billboards belong to political candidates and aspirants, and have been put up without permission from the civic body. Civic officials said the Akash Insignia and Licensing department has been instructed to impose the higher fine and to register police cases...